Shaving the Fat

A while back I wrote about how much more expensive women's products are compared to men's products. There was definitely a difference with body wash and shampoo. Deodorant was fairly comparable. Last week, I got to compare shave gel/foam.

As a feminist, I believe the decision to shave, not shave, and what to shave is a personal one. I know why society expects me to shave my legs and it's a BS reason but I don't like that hair fully grown out and I have an office job so I routinely shave my legs. When I ran out of shave gel, I decided to do a price comparison. Once again, big difference.

The generic bottom of the line men's shave gel was $2.04 at Target. The generic bottom of the line women's shave gel was $3.04. You might be thinking, "What's the big deal? It's only a dollar." You mean, it's only a 50% increase in price to make the bottle and gel vaguely pink. 

The bottles are also designed differently. The men's bottle is more of a top down design which I wasn't used to. Not that it made much of a difference but I wonder if it contributes to the BS price difference.

The women's shave gel has more of a sideways design. You still push down but it's not as top down oriented to get the foam out.

I wonder if it's because women have to contort themselves into ridiculous positions to shave everything the world expects us to shave. Men just sit the foam on the counter and push as needed. If you don't regularly shave your bikini line, just imagine the angles we have to twist into to remove that hair.

The Boy thinks it's an issue of supply and demand. Women have to share more square inches so we're charged more since we buy it more often. The wheels of consumerism grind on. I beat the system on this one. I'm sticking with my cheapo men's shave gel and saving my dollar.

Why Scott Aaronson Was His Own Biggest Problem

The internet is blowing up with one mathematician, Scott Aarongson, explaining why he dislikes feminism and doesn't have any privilege as a white male nerd. A lot of people have a lot of different theories but a friend asked my thoughts on this one.

One of my favorite quotes from the article was: "Guys deal with Women in the abstract, as a category; women deal with specific men who physically threaten them " Aaronson was so wrapped up in his own personal anxiety that he failed to see any woman as a person. 

The more isolated be became in his own mind, the worse it got. It was all in his head and a lot of shy nerds are like that. If you approach a woman as just another human being to talk to, you'll be fine but you have to get out of your own way long enough to do that. 

Another problem was Aaronson's exposure to feminism. He opted for the extremes so the only version of feminism he got was the most militant stereotype so many of us aren't. He was, somewhat masochistically, choosing to hear one version of feminism that already reinforced the negative voice in his head.

The privilege he couldn't see would be going to STEM conferences and not worrying about sexual assault. His privilege of being taken seriously be sheer virtue in his field instead of being dismissed or second guessed. If Aaronson was sexually harassed at work, he'd be believed when he reported it instead of being questioned or told to simply deal. He will never have to worry about a colleague feeling entitled to his body.

Aaronson and others like him was so wrapped up in his own pain and suffering that he forgot other people are fighting a hard battle as well. He couldn't escape his own head long enough to understand that his personal issues aren't the concern of the world. Everyone else can't fix problems that exist in your own mind. Most people won't even know they exist. That's the beauty of depression and anxiety.

The bottom line is that your mental problems are just that, your problem. No one can fix them but you. There are people out there who can help but you have to be brave enough to ask. As someone with depression, it's a hard thing to do but it's worth it.

You'll have to excuse feminism and women for focusing on problems that directly effect a lot of women. Harassment of women in STEM fields is a real issue happening right now. Not all nerds have anxiety or like to pretend their awkward because it lets them get away with things but far too many do. Feminism is going to focus on making the STEM community better for all people instead of hold the hands of a few nerds with emotional baggage. 

Shower Me in Savings

One the best examples of every day sexism I've heard is how men's products are just plain cheaper. The most commonly noted items are deodorant, body wash, and shampoo. I had to run to the store last night so I thought I'd see if there was some truth to this and maybe save myself some money.

Holy flurking schnit is there a difference with body wash. The most expensive men's body wash I found was $3.99, the same price as the cheapest women's body wash. Moisturizing brands were more expensive. Dove was around $5.49 and Aveeno had products that topped $7. I usually use the 'gender neutral' Dial or Lever 2000 to avoid perfumes. Those were $4.99. WTF?

Why is the most expensive men's products the price of the cheapest women's products? Is it really that much more expensive to smell like fruit instead of Axe? Is Dove for women that much more effective?

I road tripped to visit a friend and forgot body wash so I borrowed his Irish Spring. Everyone thought I was wearing a lovely perfume and I had no allergy issues. Screw gender neutral soap. I'll take my savings to the dude side.

Deodorant was pretty comparable. Some of the men's stuff might have been a little cheaper but not by much. The stuff I would have considered using was the exact same price as the stuff I already buy. I can remain powder fresh and not feel cheated.

I didn't need shave gel or razors but I am definitely price comparing with the men's stuff before I buy those again. I use fancy salon shampoo so you're on your own for pricing that but I'm sure it's just as much of a scam.

Music: Fat Chick's Revenge by Storm Large